On our way to Kingston yesterday, car full of tools, cleaning supplies and unassembled Ikea furniture, this was the car in front of us.
I was taking my 18 year old to her new apartment that she will share for next year and if it goes well another three years with 4 others.
I had not seen it yet and yet I had written 12 postdated cheques. She had found it herself, negotiated the lease and has been very excited about it.
When you have strong opinions and feelings as I do, it is often hard to remember that it is not always important or necessary to express them. Sometimes it is more important to let the person feel great about their choice.
I read the licence plate above several times as it passed in front of us and weaved in and out for most of our trip, like it was playing a little game with me. Teasing me, winking at me, reminding me.
“Momma, I hope you love it, the previous renters are sloppy, but I really love the place and hope you can see past their mess. I am really excited about it”
When we pulled up I noticed two big boys drinking coffee and lollygagging about. “Have you done your good deed today, guys?” I said. They helped us carry something very heavy up the stairs.
I went in. It was messy. It was dirty. But it was hers. I could remember my excitement with similar things that were mine and new in my life.
“Oh honey it is beautiful- I said with a hug. You are going to be so happy here” And I meant it. It is beautiful in that first apartment way.
I asked her before I cleaned anything. I let her build the furniture herself.
On the wall over her bed she will sleep in for the next several years was a sketch of a heart the previous tenant had made. Of course I love that stuff and could make up a great story of how it got there but it is not her heart.
“Do you want me to clean this off? I would like to think you will put your own mark up here”
She liked that idea.
It was a great day. I let it be.
not doing anything is so hard! i like to think i’m so far away from where you are but it will fly by and i’ll hit that time of life like a fly on the windshield 🙂
Good for you, Village – you let her… be. Nice. 🙂